WSD underlines importance of soil for human sustenance
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 05 2023: The World Soil Day observance was held under the aegis of ICAR -Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Imphal West, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and AICRPB on STCR, Indian Institute of Soil Science Bhopal at Lamphelpat ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, on Tuesday.

Speaking as chief guest of the observance held under the theme Soil and water, a source of life', Imphal West Zilla Parishad Up-Adhyaksha Laishram Boby said that we all have equal responsibilities towards saving the soil.

We all should play our part and save the soil as we are all dependent on soil.

He also expressed gratitude to the scientists for leading the way in protection and preservation of soil which is the life and soul of the farmers.

Pointing out that the soil of Manipur is still rich with nutrients and any crop could be cultivated successfully, Boby further said that farmers should not mix urea disproportionate to the soil as it could destroy the nutrients of the soil.

Conducting testing of soil not only helps determining the quantity of urea to be used according to the need of the soil but is also an important means to save nutrients of the soil.

In order enhance soil testing and to save soil, the government could also take up certain measures like not providing fertilizers to those farmers who do not possess soil health cards.

Such steps will definitely compel the farmers to go for soil testing, he said and added that it will not only save the soil but also keep us healthy.

ICAR Manipur Centre Soil Science scientist Dr T Basanta, who was also present at the occasion, said that the World Soil Day has been observed to save soil from degradation and to make the public aware of the relation between human beings and soil.

He also said that an international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002 under the leadership of Thailand King Bhumibol.

Later, the 68th session of the UN general assembly gave its approval to observe December 5 which is the birthday of Thailand King Bhumibol as World Soil Day from 2014 onwards.

Presided over by ICAR Manipur Center Regional Centre head Dr Ramgopal Laha, the function was also attended by CAU director of Instruction Dr S Basanta and ICAR Manipur Centre principal scientist Dr I Meghachandra as guests of honour.

An interaction programme between the farmers and scientists was also held and soil health cards were distributed to over 40 farmers during the event.

Results of the painting competition conducted as part of the observance on Monday were also declared at the occasion.

Meanwhile, the observance of World Soil Day was also organized by All India Research Coordinated Project (AICRP) on Micro and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutants Elements in Soil and Plants (MSPE) Central Agricultural University, Imphal Centre at Maklang Makha Leikai.

College of Agriculture, CAU dean Prof Indira Sarangthem was present, among others, at the occasion.

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